Shingle Roof Repair 101

Usually the first sign that you have a problem with your roof is a leak or drip within the house. Unfortunately, that drip can cause significant damage inside your home if it is not addressed quickly and properly. Shingle roof repair can range from the replacement of a single asphalt shingle to an entire portion of the roof, if damage has been done to the material underneath the shingles. If you discover that damage has been done to your roof, you can attempt shingle roof repair on your own, or you can hire the services of a professional to get the job done for you.

Repairing a shingle roof can be easier said than done. First, there is the issue of working on a slope high above the ground, which is a hazard all by itself. If the pitch of your roof is a rise of more than six inches for every twelve inches across, it is important to use roof brackets for additional security in your footing. When working on a roof, always wear thick rubber soled shoes and never attempt the repairs if it is wet outdoors. It is also important to be extra cognizant of power lines and television antennas and to ensure that metal never comes in contact with any of these items.

Shingle roof repair that requires a simple shingle replacement can be done by a homeowner, although a professional contractor will also be able to do the job – probably more quickly and safely than you can do on your own. First, measure the area of the roof that you will need to repair, to calculate the number of shingle to purchase. Always add ten percent to your total, to allow for cutting and waste. In addition to the appropriate number of shingles, you will need hot-dipped, galvanized roofing nails, roofing cement and possibly roofing felt, depending on the size and degree of the repair. 

If your shingle roof repair will take place on a roof valley, you will need to use extra care to make sure there are no cracks or gaps in the work. A roof valley is the place where two roofs come together, and an easy place to get a leak in your roof due to a crack or roof nails fastened to close to the valley centerline.  Roof valleys require flashing (unless closed type) and roofing material underneath the shingles to ensure this area is watertight. If you need to make a shingle roof repair on the roof valley, it is often a good idea to enlist the help of a professional roofing contractor to make sure the repair is done exactly right.

The other issue with shingle roof repair is that it should be done as quickly as possible to avoid any further water damage within your home. Leaks can go on for some time before the damage becomes apparent, and you don't want to compound the problem by postponing necessary repairs. With same-day service and uncompromised quality, Roofer911 can handle all of your shingle roof repair needs. Call us today and get that shingle roof back in top notch condition.